A FAMILY today praised hospital staff for saving their grandfather's life, bringing him back from the brink of death three times.

A FAMILY today praised hospital staff for saving their grandfather's life, bringing him back from the brink of death three times.

Victor Ager, 85, from Reeds Way in Stowupland, near Stowmarket, suffered from internal bleeding after a fall and his loved ones were advised to prepare for the worst.

An ambulance was called to take him to the West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds and medics battled to save his life, giving him ten pints of blood in one night.

Mr Ager's granddaughter Sarah Hall, from the Cedars Park estate in Stowmarket, said: “My granddad is diabetic and last month he got up in the night and fell into the door frame after going dizzy, caused by low blood pressure, cut his head and was bruised.

“A doctor took one look at him and called the paramedics and said he had internal bleeding and to be prepared for the worst as he was really not good at all.

“The paramedics arrived and decided to dash him up to Bury hospital by ambulance, got him into the Accident and Emergency department, gave him blood transfusions and basically worked on him constantly to save his life. He had ten pints of blood put in him through the night.

“He was touch and go three times, we nearly lost him three times, but he is a picture of health now. And he was the talk of the hospital, no-one could believe he survived. He was moved out of intensive care and put on a ward and then went home.

“We are all so grateful to all the doctors and staff at the hospital and to that doctor that came and saw him on the because what ever they did saved his life and they deserve so much credit.”

Retired Stowmarket ICI worker Mr Ager, who on Sunday celebrated his 85th birthday with his family, said: “I want to thank the hospital so much, they have saved my life. I feel so well now and celebrating my birthday felt like Christmas all over again.”

Gwen Nuttall, executive chief operating officer at the West Suffolk Hospital, said: “It is always nice when the work of our dedicated staff is appreciated, especially when the treatment the patient has received has resulted in such a positive outcome.”

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